Patent Application
20060247106
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention is related to sporting equipment. More particularly, the present invention is related to an apparatus to aid karate students to develop better kicking habits without incurring injury.
2. Background of the Related Art
The art of karate includes moves and routines that require kicking. To advance within the art (i.e., achieve higher ranked belts), students must perfect their form, including their form of kicking. Various types of kicks are taught to karate students (such as the side kick, roundhouse kick, front snap kick, axe kick, hook kicks, etc.). In the past, students have used other students and kicking bags to practice their kicking techniques. The practice of using other students and kicking bags to practice kicking techniques places the “target” student in some danger if the practice kicker is not experienced. Moreover, the practice kicker must contend with the understandable desire of the target student to move away from the path of the kick at judicious moments. Hitting a practice target or kicking bag does not address the fundamental problem of knee, leg and foot positioning in order to deliver a proper kicking technique. There is a need, therefore, in the art for an apparatus that enables students to practice kicking techniques without injury to themselves or to others.
The present invention solves some of the problems inherent in the prior art by providing a mechanism for enabling Martial Arts students to perfect their kicking form. A box is fixedly attached to a base via a post. The post can be adjusted to vary the height of the box to suit the particular student. Once adjusted, the box gives a visual cue to the student of the parameters of a proper kick. The box is large enough to enable the student to place his or her foot and leg into the box while practicing the kick. If the student's body touches the box, the student knows that the kick is out of optimum bounds, and to adjust their kicking style accordingly. The box, while fixedly attached to the post, may be removed and replaced with a box of a different shape that is optimized for a different style of kick. Students may thus practice their kicks and be given tactile feedback on their progress and technique.
In another embodiment of the present invention, a video feedback system allows the student to record the kick for immediate or delayed playback regarding their progress and technique. By optimizing foot and leg positioning, the student can more accurately perform kicking tasks.
In another embodiment, the system is equipped with a timing device and/or a video camera to allow the student or the instructor to evaluate the speed, power and technical correctness of the kick.
In another embodiment, the system is also equipped with an adjustable mechanical foot brace with ankle strap. The ankle strap and foot brace can be adjusted to fit the particular student's size and stature. The mechanical foot brace can also be pivoted out of the way in order for the unit to be used without a foot brace. Without the foot brace, the user will be required to stand a prescribed distance from the kicking tunnel (box) in order to assure proper kicking technique.
A more complete understanding of the present disclosure and advantages thereof may be acquired by referring to the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numbers indicate like features, and wherein:
The present disclosure may be susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms. Specific exemplary embodiments thereof are shown by way of example in the drawing and are described herein in detail. It should be understood, however, that the description set forth herein of specific embodiments is not intended to limit the present disclosure to the particular forms disclosed. Rather, all modifications, alternatives, and equivalents falling within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims are intended to be covered by the appended claims.
A post 106 is fitted upon the base 102. The post 106 can come in a variety of forms. In one embodiment, the post 106 is a large spring, which will enable the box 112 to move when a student accidentally hits it (so as not to injure the student). Alternatively, as illustrated in
In an embodiment, the post 108 is fitted with attitude adjustment mechanisms 150 and 160 that allow the attitude of the box 112 (that is attached to the attitude adjustment mechanisms 150 and 160, to be adjusted (e.g., the yaw angle, pitch angle and roll angle) so that a greater number of kicks for a larger number of students may be attempted with the same box 112 configuration. The box 112 may also be fitted with sides 113 that can be swung open for those kicks (such as the roundhouse kick) that have wide or lateral swinging motions.
In one embodiment, the attitude adjustment mechanisms 150 and 160 enable the box 112 to be rotated up to 90 degrees (e.g., vertical) as opposed to the horizontal position illustrated in
In one embodiment, the telescoping portion 108 may be constructed of Lexan and may have one or more pads. The flexibility of Lexan enables the box to move in response to being kicked by a student, and thus reduce the likelihood of injury to the student. Similarly, the pads can be fitted to the box 112, sides 113, telescoping portion 108, post 106, and base 102 to help prevent injury to a student who commits an errant kick.
The box 112 can come in a variety of shapes and sizes. Size, of course, can vary depending upon the size of the student involved, with smaller boxes for younger students, and larger boxes (of the same general shape) for adolescents and adults. Conversely, the shape of the box can be varied to accommodate different styles of kicks, such as side, roundhouse, front snap, axe, and hook kicks. The box 112 can be made of a variety of materials, although plastic, carbon fiber, lexan or wood are suggested, depending upon the need for durability, flexibility, and the cost of procurement and construction, although other materials could be used. Generally, it would be better if the box were relatively lightweight, so that logistical problems related to the removal and replacement of the box 112 by younger assistants is ameliorated, and that the center of gravity of the apparatus 100 be as low as possible for greater stability.
In another embodiment, the apparatus 100 is fitted with a foot brace 120, which may be adjustably mounted onto the base 102 as illustrated in
In another embodiment, one or more sensors 140 can be placed within the box 112 as illustrated in
In another embodiment, one or more video cameras 130 may be position with respect to the apparatus 100 in order to record the kick. Both the video camera 130 and/or the sensors 140 are connected to a recording device, such as a VCR, DVD, or personal computer (not shown) in order to record the measurements for later analysis and commentary.
In another embodiment, the sensor 140 can be included with (or act as) a timing mechanism to record the amount of time it takes the student to perform the kick. For example, the timer may be equipped with a timer pad 170 upon which rests one of the student's feet at the beginning of the kick. For example, the timer can be started when the student lifts his/her foot from the pad at the start of the kick, with a another triggering event when the student hits one or more of the sensors 140, and another triggering event when the student places their kicking foot back onto the pad 170. In this way, the complete duration of the kick (setup, hit, and return) can be measured. Alternatively, the timer in the sensor 140 may be initiated by the instructor. Impact with the sensor 140 or placement of the foot back onto the starting pad 170 by the student can be used to stop the timer. As with the other example, the measurements may be forwarded to a recording device, such as a personal computer. Similarly, video taken from camera 130 may also be forwarded to the same or different recording device for later review.
The invention, therefore, is well adapted to carry out the objects and to attain the ends and advantages mentioned, as well as others inherent therein. While the invention has been depicted, described, and is defined by reference to the exemplary embodiments of the disclosure, such references do not imply a limitation on the invention, and no such limitation is to be inferred. The invention is capable of considerable modification, alteration, and equivalents in form and function, as well occur to those ordinarily skilled in the pertinent arts and having the benefit of this disclosure. The depicted and described embodiments of the invention are exemplary only, and are not exhaustive of the scope of the invention. Consequently, the invention is intended to be limited only by the spirit and scope of the appended claims, giving full cognizance to equivalents in all respects.
